UNDP and Surkhandarya Regional Khokimiyat Discuss School Modernization Project

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Uzbekistan Akiko Fujii held talks with the Khokim of the Surkhandarya region, Ulugbek Kosimov.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the Tashkent International Investment Forum, was dedicated to reviewing the results of current initiatives and discussing prospects for expanding socio-economic and infrastructural cooperation in the region.

The central theme of the dialogue was the practical implementation of the ISHONCH 2030 Joint Programme. This project is carried out by UNDP and UNICEF in close partnership with the Ministry of Preschool and School Education, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and regional authorities.

The leaders reviewed in detail the progress of preparing the first group of 16 general education schools located in the Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya regions for large-scale modernization. The renovation of these educational institutions is based on principles of climate resilience and includes the fundamental improvement of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems, increasing the energy efficiency of buildings, reconstructing heating networks, and integrating technological solutions based on renewable energy sources.

During the conversation, the sides also summarized the results of other programs deployed in the south of the republic. In particular, the outcomes of work on drawing up comprehensive development plans for 60 local mahallas were noted. Special attention was paid to projects aimed at creating conditions for vocational training and the acquisition of relevant skills by Afghan citizens residing in the Surkhandarya region.

At the conclusion of the talks, Akiko Fujii and Ulugbek Kosimov outlined new vectors of interaction. The officials assessed the possibilities of scaling the "One Village — One Product" economic model in the region, and also discussed strategic prospects for launching a new joint regional initiative in partnership with the Termez International Trade Center.